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SAG-AFTRA is Your Voice in Music – Meet SAG-AFTRA’s Music Department

SAG-AFTRA is excited to introduce the newly formed Music Department, which combines the strengths of the Sound Recordings and Singers & Dancers departments in order to serve members more efficiently.

The Music Department specializes in managing two major contracts. The SAG-AFTRA Sound Recordings Code covers singers and other voice performers on records, as well as featured recording artists, while the SAG-AFTRA Music Video Agreement covers performers engaged to work on recording artists’ music videos. The department negotiates these agreements with the major record labels, signs companies to the agreements and enforces the contracts on behalf of covered performers. This includes filing claims and tracking compliance by the companies.

Their work doesn’t stop there, though. The department also answers inquiries and handles claims on behalf of singers and dancers who work under all other SAG-AFTRA contracts, with the exception of Commercials and Co/Ed. Finally, representatives from The Music Department act as staff liaisons for the Los Angeles Local and National Singers committees and Dancers committees.

In addition to these contract and committee responsibilities, the Music Department participates in conferences and other music industry events to educate employers and artist representatives about SAG-AFTRA’s role in the business. It works with SAG-AFTRA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Department to advocate on legislative issues affecting recording artists and partners with outside organizations to ensure fair and equitable compensation to SAG-AFTRA members for the use of their recordings in the continuously shifting digital marketplace. These organizations include SoundExchange, AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund, Alliance of Artists and Record Companies, and the SAG-AFTRA and Industry Distribution Fund.

All you really need to know is how to reach us — we’ll take care of the rest! You can contact staff members through email and over the phone. They’re happy to help you!